A relationship exists between gravity, mass, and distance. The greater the mass of the objects, the greater the gravitational force between them. The greater the distance between the objects, the weaker the gravitational force between them. Which of these objects would have the greatest gravitational force between them?
Answer
A
two objects, each with a mass of 20 kg, separated by a distance of 10 m
B
two objects, each with a mass of 10 kg, separated by a distance of 10 m
C
two objects, each with a mass of 10 kg, separated by a distance of 15 m
D
two objects, each with a mass of 20 kg, separated by a distance of 15 m
Explanation
Gravitational force increases with the product of the objects’ masses and decreases as the distance between them increases. Choice A has two 20 kg objects, giving a mass product of 400, and they are 10 m apart. Compared with the other choices, this combination gives the greatest force; choice D has the same masses but a greater distance.
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